Surya Bhagwan
Ratha Saptami is one of the biggest festivals observed during Magh month. It is celebrated on Magh Shukla Saptami. In 2026, Ratha Saptami date is January 25.
Ratha Saptami festival is dedicated to Surya bhagwan and the Lord is worshipped for better health and wellbeing. It falls on the second day after Vasant Panchami or Sri Panchami or Madana Panchami.
During Ratha Saptami, women draw rangoli or kolam or muggu in front of their houses to welcome the healthy and pleasant rays of Sun God. The Rangolis are drawn in a chariot shape signifying seven horses of Surya bhagwan. Punya Snan (holy dips) are performed during Ratha Saptami.
Worshipping Surya Bhagavan on Ratha Saptami festival gives us good health and prosperity. Surya Bhagavan is known as the giver of good health as per Hinduism.
Aditya Hrudayam and Surya Ashtottaram are the most revered prayers to chant on Ratha Saptami. In Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and some other places in India, women welcome Surya Bhagavan by drawing Ratham Kolam or Ratham Muggu (rangoli design of Chariot of Sun God).
Ratha Saptami Vrat Katha or the story of Rath Saptami is associated with King Yashovarma, who ruled Kamboj empire.
The timetable of Ardha Brahmotsavam (Ratha saptami celebrations) in Tirumala Tirupati temple is given here for 2026.
You can also read Ratha Saptami stotram prayer.
Ratha Saptami 2026 date in other countries
Ratha Saptami 2026 date in USA & Canda – January 25
Ratha Saptami 2026 date in UK & Europe – January 25
Ratha Saptami 2026 date in UAE & Middle East – January 25
Ratha Saptami 2026 date in Singapore – January 25
Ratha Saptami 2026 date in Malaysia – January 25
Ratha Saptami 2026 date in Australia – January 25
Ratha Saptami 2026 date in New Zealand – January 25
Ratha Saptami 2026 date in Fiji Islands – January 25
Significance
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The festival marks the symbolic birthday of Lord Surya and celebrates his transition towards the northern hemisphere (Uttarayana), which signifies the arrival of longer days and the spring season.
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It is regarded as Surya Jayanti and marks the day when Lord Surya started illuminating the world, dispelling darkness and bringing light, energy, and vitality.
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Devotees believe that worshiping the Sun on this day safeguards them from diseases and difficulties and brings health, prosperity, and wisdom.
Rituals
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A key ritual of Ratha Saptami is the holy bath (Snan) taken at Arunodaya (early dawn), believed to purify the body and grant good health and longevity.
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Devotees offer water (Arghya) to the rising Sun, chant Vedic mantras, and perform elaborate Surya Puja with flowers, red cloth, and symbolic representations of the Sun’s chariot (Ratha).
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Many also observe fasts and celebrate with devotional songs and prayers to invoke Surya’s blessings for the year ahead.
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Ratha Saptami is especially celebrated in states like Odisha, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh with great devotion and fervor, reflecting the cultural and spiritual importance of Surya in Hindu tradition.
In summary, Ratha Saptami is a festival honoring the Sun God’s power and light, celebrated with holy baths, rituals, and prayers to ensure health, wisdom, and prosperity, coinciding with the onset of the spring season.